Geotextile Fabrics – Uses and Application

Geotextile fabric has become a vital material in modern infrastructure, from stabilizing roads to preventing erosion and improving drainage. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer, or landscaper, knowing the right type of geotextile can save costs and extend the life of your projects. This guide explains what geotextile fabric is, its types, core functions, and the most common applications in construction, agriculture, and environmental projects.

Geotextile Fabric: Uses, Types, and Benefits for Construction & Landscaping

Industrial materials have come a long way in the last few years. It's not all about strength anymore but about performance, safety, and sustainability too. One such development that revolutionized leading industries for agriculture, construction and landscaping work globally is geotextile fabric. 

It is utilized in civil engineering and environmental projects for separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and protection. 

If you are a contractor, engineer, landscaper, or procurement officer, chances are you have seen this material used on road construction, erosion prevention, or drainage projects. But what is geotextile fabric and why is it such an important component of modern infrastructure? Let's explore leading applications of geotextiles and how to choose the best geotextile for your project.

What Is Geotextile Fabric?

Geotextile fabric is a porous textile fabric made up of synthetic fibers like polypropylene or polyester. It is an artificial fabric used to improve the performance of the soil and avoid soil erosion. It works by splitting, filtering, draining, or reinforcing earth layers so that construction and landscaping endeavors do not collapse over time. 

In contrast to common fabrics, it is a fabric produced from engineered materials that plays significant roles in both soil and water management. 

Types of Geotextile Fabric 

Geotextiles are of three types based on the method of production and materials used:  

Woven geotextile fabric – created by inter-weaving the polypropylene or polyester yarns into a grid-like structure, is a highly tensile strength fabric. Woven geotextiles are mainly used for reinforcement, distribution of loads, and road stabilization. 

Non-woven geotextile fabric – created by needle-punching, heat-bonding or chemical processes, resulting in a flexibble fabric. Non-woven fabrics are best suited for drainage, filtration, and erosion control. 

Knitted geotextile fabric – not very common but applied in special cases, knitted fabrics are made by interloping yarns. They have flexibility combined with strength but are usually more expensive. 

Core Functions of Geotextile Fabrics

Separation – Stops soil layers from mixing. For e.g., it prevents gravel in a road base from settling into the underlying soil. 

Filtration – Allows water to pass through while keeping soil particles, such as a natural sieve. 

Drainage – Permits water to drain down the surface of the fabric horizontally or vertically and prevents waterlogging. 

Reinforcement – Increases the load-carrying capacity of soil through the distribution of applied loads. It gives structural strength to weak soils, allowing them to carry heavy loads. 

Protection – Prevents geomembranes and other materials in landfills, ponds, or reservoirs from being punctured and damaged. 

Without geotextiles, most modern construction works would suffer from quicker damage and higher maintenance costs. They create a barrier that improves soil performance, extending the life of structures and landscapes. 

Still in doubt, "What is geotextile fabric used for?" Let's dissect it further.  

Applications & Uses of Geotextile Fabrics

Geotextile fabrics are not restricted to a single industry. Their versatility makes them a go-to solution for various industries. They are an ideal choice in roads, agriculture, water management, and environmental protection. The following are the top couple of uses of geotextile fabric:

1. Road Stabilization and Shoulders

In building highways or rural roads, the greatest challenge is stopping the mixing of soil and aggregates. In road construction over weak soil, there is a possibility of base material blending with subsoil, which results in potholes and cracking. Without a separation layer heavy traffic will compact the road base into the soil but woven geotextiles laid below the base material can prevent this. Laying geotextiles will

• Increase the life span of pavements
• Reduce maintenance in the long run
• Offer stable shoulders for highways and rural roads

2. Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization

Soil erosion presents one of the biggest challenges in heavy rainfall regions or flowing water environments. Non-woven geotextiles are applied on slopes, riverbanks, and drainage channels to retain the soil while allowing water to pass. They are usually placed beneath riprap, gabions, or vegetation to:

• Prevent washouts and landslides
• Stabilize embankments
• Safeguard shorelines from wave action

3. Drainage Systems and French Drains 

In drainage systems, geotextiles serve as a filter they allow water in but prevents soil from clogging up the system. This is the reason why they are commonly used in French drains, retaining walls, and sports fields. In landscaping, this keeps lawns, gardens, and sports fields healthy and dry. In construction, it avoids waterlogging underneath foundations or roadbeds.

• Enhances water management on construction sites
• Averts soil particles from clogging pipes
• Improves the effectiveness of underground drainage

4. Soil Reinforcement in Foundations and Retaining Walls

Geotextile materials spread loads across a broader area, preventing uneven settlement. Poorly stable soil can destabilize buildings or retaining walls. Soil is reinforced and a stable base is formed by woven geotextiles. They prevent soil from pushing forward in retaining walls and increase structural stability. They are critical material in urban development projects where space is limited but structural safety is non-negotiable.

• Reduces risk of subsidence
• Permits uniform settlement under heavy loads
• Enhances stability of retaining structures

5. Landfills and Pond Liners

In water reservoirs and landfills, geotextiles are used as protection layers. The protective layer guards geomembrane liners against puncture by sharp objects in the soil. This keeps waste containment and water storage systems leak-free and secure for decades.

• Extends liners' life
• Protects against leaks and contamination
• Ensures regulatory compliance with waste management projects

6. Agriculture and Landscaping

In agriculture, these materials are used to control soil erosion, inhibit weed growth and enhance water retention in the soil. Non-woven geotextiles are especially ideal for these applications, as they permit water and nutrients to filter while preventing weeds from growing. In landscaping, geotextiles are used under walkways, patios, and garden beds to stabilize the soil and avoid movement or settlement. Bubna Polysack’s range of non-woven geotextiles is ideal for improving soil health.

• Prevents weed growth without chemicals.
• Increase moisture retention in soil
• Provides long-term stability in garden and landscape projects

How to Choose the Right Geotextile Fabric?

Selecting the right fabric can be confusing, as every project need is different. But knowing a few key factors makes the choice easy. Here's an easy-to-understand guide:

• Match Fabric Type to Application

1. Utilize woven geotextiles for reinforcement and separation when strength is most important (e.g., road bases, retaining walls). Ideal for soil stabilization and load-bearing projects.
2. Utilize non-woven geotextiles for filtration, drainage uses (e.g., French drains) and is best suited for erosion control.

• Key Properties to Check

When shopping around geotextile fabric suppliers, check for the following specifications:

1. Tensile Strength – Determines how much load the fabric can handle. (Example: 6 kN/m for road bases). Higher strength is needed for heavy load-bearing projects.
2. Permeability – Measures how easily water can pass. (Example: 50 l/min/m² for drainage projects). Important for drainage use; allows water to flow while retaining soil.
3. UV Resistance – Important for sun-exposed fabrics. Extends life even if the fabric is exposed to sunlight.
4. Puncture Resistance – Essential for landfill or liner protection. It is best used for lining projects where there is potential damage by sharp objects.
5. Roll Width & Length – Choose sizes that reduce on-site overlaps and wastage. Affects installation ease and coverage.

• Practical Buying Example

1. Stabilization of Road base:Woven geotextile, tensile strength 6 kN/m, flow rate 110 l/min/m²
2. Drainage: Non-woven geotextile, permeability is approximately 50 l/min/m²
3. Erosion control: Lightweight non-woven, tensile strength 3 kN/m

At Bubna Polysack, one of the reliable suppliers of geotextile fabric, we have witnessed increased demand for geotextiles year by year as more companies, builders, and landscapers realize the significance of this product. We provide custom solutions helping you save money and minimize installation difficulties.

Conclusion

By using the proper type and quality of geotextile fabric, you achieve structural stability and durability that minimizes long-term maintenance expenses.

At Bubna Polysack, we know the importance of geotextile fabrics in contemporary projects. We are among the top geotextile fabric suppliers with woven and non-woven solutions for various industries. We supply our products that builders and engineers trust and deliver to you in sizes that suit your project requirements.

Want to source high-quality geotextile fabrics? Get a quote today or view our entire product range.

FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between woven and non-woven geotextile?

Ans.Woven geotextile is created by interlacing yarns. Weaving provides the fabric with excellent tensile strength for reinforcement. While non-woven geotextile is needle-punched or heat-bonded and is more suited for filtration and drainage.

Q2: Can geotextile fabric prevent erosion?

Ans.Yes geotextile fabric reduces and prevents soil erosion. It stabilizes soil on slopes, shields riverbanks, sustains vegetation and averts water runoff making it a trusted erosion control option.

Q3: How long does geotextile fabric last?

Ans.Under good conditions and proper installation, geotextiles remain more than 20 years in buried or covered construction. Longevity is subject to factors such as UV exposure, acidity and moisture of the soil. Usually, woven geotextiles have a longer life span than non-woven in areas where high loads occur.

Q4: How much does geotextile fabric cost?

Ans.Prices differ depending on type, weight, and strength but generally is around $0.50–$3.00 per square foot. For proper bulk price, go to reputable geotextile fabric suppliers such as Bubna Polysack.

Q5: Where do I buy geotextile fabric?

Ans.Geotextile fabric may be purchased directly from reputable civil engineering suppliers such as Bubna Polysack, which provides bulk rolls, special dimensions, and good quality assurance.